Heart-to-heart with coach key to Shane Lowry’s opening 66

Shane Lowry insisted a frank overnight conversation with his long-time coach was key to the tournament’s highest-ranked player shooting a five under par 66 on the opening day of the British Masters at Woburn.

The current World No. 21 didn’t drop a shot to end the day two strokes behind England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick who birdied his closing two holes in a round of 64 and break clear of four players sharing second place on six under par.

Lowry shares sixth place with fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington and the reigning WGC - Bridgestone Invitational champion finds himself dealing with the unfamiliar limelight of event favourite.